Regency England

     In 1811 King George the third was no longer able to rule England due to his 'madness' now known to be caused by the disease Porphyria. His son George became the Regent, or the ruling power. The period lasted until the death of George the third in 1821 when the Regent became George IV. I have found variations on these dates in different articles and books. Jane Austen began to write her novels in 1797 which is usually included in this era.

     The war with Napoleon was being waged in Europe as well as the American War of 1812 -1814. In 1815, the end of the Napoleonic war, soldiers came home to an economic depression. Riots raged amongst the laboring poor across the country because of unstable prices and working conditions.

     In the midst of all this most of the the nobility continued their lives as usual. The Prince Regent the most extravagant of all. He built luxurious homes including the Pavillions which he regularly redecorated at the slightest whim.

  Next time Romance in the Regency.

Historical Fiction and Why it's My Favorite Read

   I started reading historical novels as a teenager and they are still my favorites. Georgette Heyer is a particular love of mine. Her humor and cant terms of the Regency period in England caught my attention first. Also her grasp of the mores and culture of the time are fascinating to me.

   Then there are the stories of Jane Austen. I have read them all, and I have to admit they are a bit wordy for me. But the stories are delightful and I love the movies that have been made from them. The costumes, the architecture and furnishings all spark my imagination

    Who has not swooned over Colin Firth as the inimitable Mr. Darcy. Or loved Ciaran Hinds as Captain Wentworth in 'Perusasion'. Then there is Hugh Grant and Emma Thompson in 'Sense and Sensibility'.

   I could go on and on, but I shall just say these are the reasons I have chosen to write about the Regency Period. I'll tell you more about it next week.

Write-Write-Edit-Edit-Edit

   While I am waiting to hear from my publisher I am editing,editing, editing my next book. For every word you write you edit three times, at least that's how it seems to me.
   I guess there are some authors, who are so practiced or talented, they can write, edit once and it's done. I am neither practiced or that talented. I am sure I will be editing my book even after that beautiful hardback copy is in my hands.
   I do belong to a wonderful small critique group. I would never have made it this far without them. I am  thankful for their gift of seeing forgotten commas, lack of emotion, unnecessary words, etc. They find  all these after I have edited the pages at least three times.
   The best thing about this group is we cheer each other on, hold each other's hand in the down times, and celebrate the good times. What a blessing.